A 46-year-old St. Louis man has pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm at police officers who were attempting to apprehend him in 2016.
Demetrius Richmond, 46, of St. Louis, pled guilty to one count of being a felon in the possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court on Monday, December 3, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to court documents, on December 22, 2016, two Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were patrolling in an unmarked police vehicle when they observed Richmond’s 2006 Lexus. Richmond was the driver. A female passenger was also inside Richmond’s vehicle.
As the unmarked police vehicle pulled behind Richmond’s vehicle, Richmond fired two shots from inside his vehicle. Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency lights, and Richmond sped away, leading officers on a roughly 17-minute vehicle pursuit.
Among other reckless actions, Richmond drove at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Richmond eventually crashed his vehicle, injuring the female passenger. Prior to the crash, Richmond threw his weapon from the vehicle.
Richmond was apprehended. Richmond’s semi-automatic firearm was located and seized by the police. It was loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.
Richmond faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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